It may not be a white Christmas in sunny Phoenix, but for those travelling this holiday, a winter wonderland is just a drive away. Before you pack up the family and the holiday cheer, be prepared by brushing up on winter travel safety tips and cold weather safety offered by the American Red Cross.
“It can save your life literally,” said American Red Cross Regional Communications Officer Trudy Thompson Rice. “Check the weather, go on the internet, be aware of your surroundings. That is the key to preparedness.” 
U-Haul is a proud to serve as an official Red Cross Disaster Relief Responder, aiding the Red Cross when emergencies – ranging from storms and flooding to fires and severe weather – strike across the U.S.
U-Haul and the Red Cross also want to help you prevent a personal crisis by offering safety reminders when it comes to travelling this winter and staying safe when cold weather hits.
The Red Cross encourages you to stay off the road if possible, but if you can’t avoid driving this winter, do it carefully so you get to your destination safely. Snow, sleet and ice can cause drivers, especially those not used to those conditions, to lose control and even become stuck.
“Have water, phone charges in case of an emergency, shoes for walking in case you do get stuck,” Rice added. “Our windshield wipers are used so infrequently in Arizona, they don’t work when you need them most, so keep your vehicle in good working order.”
The Red Cross suggests to find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and pay attention to the weather forecast. Before you leave, let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
Read more on how to stay safe while travelling in cold weather by clicking here.
According to the U.S. Transportation Department, the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. During the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 54 percent, and during the Christmas/New Year’s Holiday period the number rises by 23 percent, compared to the average number for the remainder of the year.
To read more on how the Red Cross has come to the aid in cold weather situations click here.
You can also download the Red Cross First Aid App for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available in your app store just click here.
